CA1307129C - Apparatus for the measurement and non-destructive material testing oflaid pipelines - Google Patents
Apparatus for the measurement and non-destructive material testing oflaid pipelinesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1307129C CA1307129C CA000542635A CA542635A CA1307129C CA 1307129 C CA1307129 C CA 1307129C CA 000542635 A CA000542635 A CA 000542635A CA 542635 A CA542635 A CA 542635A CA 1307129 C CA1307129 C CA 1307129C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sleeve
- scraper
- sensors
- depressions
- protuberances
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/72—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables
- G01N27/82—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws
- G01N27/90—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws using eddy currents
- G01N27/9013—Arrangements for scanning
- G01N27/902—Arrangements for scanning by moving the sensors
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Magnetic Means (AREA)
- Investigating Strength Of Materials By Application Of Mechanical Stress (AREA)
- Length Measuring Devices With Unspecified Measuring Means (AREA)
- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus for the measurement and non-destructive material testing of laid pipelines in the form of a scraper moved through the pipeline and guided on the inner wall thereof, has at least one circular support with sensors arranged on the circumference thereof and at least one pressure-tight casing, which has devices for processing and recording the measured values and the power supply. In order to ensure that the sensors are always at the minimum constant distance and with a constant angular position with respect to the pipe wall, the support is constructed as a cylindrical sleeve made from a rubber elastic material and is provided with an axially, radially and circumferentially regular profile, whose protuberances are located on a cylindrical envelope surface with a somewhat larger external diameter than the internal diameter of the pipeline and in whose depressions the sensors are arranged on a surface concentric to the envelope surface. The sleeve is attached by universal joint to the trailing end of the scraper.
An apparatus for the measurement and non-destructive material testing of laid pipelines in the form of a scraper moved through the pipeline and guided on the inner wall thereof, has at least one circular support with sensors arranged on the circumference thereof and at least one pressure-tight casing, which has devices for processing and recording the measured values and the power supply. In order to ensure that the sensors are always at the minimum constant distance and with a constant angular position with respect to the pipe wall, the support is constructed as a cylindrical sleeve made from a rubber elastic material and is provided with an axially, radially and circumferentially regular profile, whose protuberances are located on a cylindrical envelope surface with a somewhat larger external diameter than the internal diameter of the pipeline and in whose depressions the sensors are arranged on a surface concentric to the envelope surface. The sleeve is attached by universal joint to the trailing end of the scraper.
Description
~ ~7~L~9 APPARATUS FOR THE MEASU~EMENT AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE MATERIAL
TESTING OF LAID PIPELINES
BACKGROUND ~F THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the measuring and non-descructive material testing of laid pipelines in the form of a scraper moved through ~he pipeline and guided on the inner wall thereof and which has at least one circular support with sensors arranged on its circumference and at least one pressure-tight casing, which receives devices for processing and recording the measured values, as well as for the power supply.
Apparatuses of this type, which are also called intelligent scrapers, are increasingly being used in long-distance pipelines, particularly for transporting oil and gas for the purpose of detecting faults on said pipeline. They are generally moved through the pipeline by means of the medium transported and perform measurements of different types. It is most frequently a question of carrying out measurements on the pipe wall, so as to be able to e.g. establish local corrosion, wall thickness reductions due to mechanical damage, pitting and the like. Differently functioning sensors are used as a function of the intended task, e.g.
electrooptical, ultrasonic and similar sensors.
In order to scan the entire circumference of the pipe wall, the sensors are arranged on a rigid ring (US patent 4 022 055), whereby the ring and therefore also the sensors must have a significant distance from the pipe wall, so as not to be damaged by non-circularities of the pipe or local bulges.
The measuring accuracy suffers as a result of the significant distance between the effective areas of the sensors and the pipe wall. The measurement result is also falsified in the case of non-circularities and bulges, due to the different type of spacing conditions at said points. In addition, rotary supports for sensors are known (DE-OS 2 156 434 and US
patent 3 539 915), but as a result of the rotary movement constitute a source of additional operational problems.
Moreover, the sensors are connected by means of complicated ~30~ g mechanical articulations, linkages, etc to the rotary support, which are intended to ensure that the sensors are guided at a constant distance from the inner wall of the pipe. However, these mechanical means additionally impair the operational reliability. Here again a constant distance between effective sensor area and pipe wall is only ensured to a limited extent. In particular the angular position of the sensor with respect to the pipe wall, which should always be perpendicular, is not ensured, particularly in the case of non-circularity or other bulges on the pipeline. In addition, a surface-covering scanning is only possible with significant expenditure and effort, if at all, so that in certain circumstances small local defects may not be detected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The problem of the present invention is to provide an apparatus with a simple and operationally reliable construction, in which on the one hand the distance between the sensors and the pipe wall is relatively small and identical for all the sensors and on the other neither the distance, nor the angular position of the sensors with respect to the pipe wall are modified by non-circularities thereof.
According to the invention this problem is solved in that the support is constructed as a cylindrical sleeve made from rubber elastic material and is provided with a regular profile in the axial, radial and circumferential direction, whose protuberances are located on a cylindrical envelope surface having a somewhat larger external diameter than the internal diameter of the pipeline and in whose depressions the sensors are arranged on a surface concentric to the enveIope surface.
The invention proposes a sensor support in the form of a sleeve made from a material with rubber elastic characteristics, which can consequently adapt to the pipe ~o~
wall, particularly to unevennesges. In the relaxed starting position the sleeve or envelope sur~ace of the pxofile protuberances has a somewhat larger external diameter than the internal diameter of the pipeline. On inserting in the pipeline the sleeve is somewhat circumferencially compressed, so that the profile protuberances snuggly engage on the pipe wall and this is still ensured when the pipeline has non-circularities, bulges and the like. The sensors are located in the profile depressions on a surface concentric to the envelope surface and consequently have an identical, clearly defined spacing, as well as an identical and clearly defined angular position with respect to the pipe wall. As the sleeve and conseguently also the profile depressions follow any non-circularities of the pipe, the spacing and angular position of the sensors with respect to the pipe wall also remain identical at these points. Thus, a completely satisfactory operation of the sensors is ensured over the entire measuring distance or range. It is a decisive advantage compared with the known scrapers with sensors guided in a spacing-variable manner, that the inventive apparatus has no moving parts and no mechanical transmission elements, so that an operationally reliable apparatus is obtained, which is of decisive importance when working within a pipeline over long distances.
According to a preferred construction the protuberances and depressions are constructed in strip-like manner with a substantially axially parallel extension. Thus, in cross section, the sleeve has a profile giving it a good reversible deformability in the circumferential direction whilst through it substantially axially parallel extension it leads to no significant increase in the resistance in the direction of movement of the sraper.
Advantageously the depressions are formed by grooves in the cylindrical sleeve, the latter being preferably provided in the vicinity of the protuberances with substantially axially parallel grooves. Thus, circumferentially, the sleeve has a 13~
type, of concertina profile, which on the one hand further favours the reversihle deformability and on the other deflects the forces acting on the sleeve mainly in the circumferential direction, so that such radial ~orces substantially lead to a reduction or increase in khe diameter. This also ensures that the sensors always retain their spacing and angular position with respect to the pipe wall. This pro~ile ensures the deformability of the sleeve also in the longitudinal direction, so that in all it is well adapted to radially and axially extending non-circularities in the pipeline.
In the vicinity of both the protuberances and the depressions, the profile can have a relatively large wall thickness, so as to externally prevent the wear necessarily occurring due to the guidance in the pipeline and so as to internally have an adequate carrying strength for receiving the sensors~ However, the substantially radially directed wall webs between the protuberances and the depressions can be in a relatively thin-walled form and therefore further aid deformability.
In place of the grooves provided on the inside in the vicinity of the strip-like protuberances, in the vicinity of the latter the sleeve can also be provided with a narrow pattern of small diameter holes, so that in this area the sleeve has increased transverse compressibility. It can virtually "breath" in the vicinity of the protuberances and in particular gives or yields in the circumferential direction, whereas the profile is dimensionally stable in the vicinity of the strip-like depressions.
According to a preferred construction of the invention the protuberances and groove-like depressions are arranged at an acute angle to the sleeve axis. If several sensors are successively arranged in these grooves, then between the sensors there is a mutual circumferential displacement, so that the sensors arranged in one groove cover one surface 12g strip on the pipe wall which i5 wider than the effective area of each individual sensor.
Preferably the angle between the extension direction of the groove-like depressions and the axis of the sleeve is such that the active areas of the sensors successively arranged in the depression overlap one another, when considered axially.
This permits a surface-covering scanning or measurement on the pipe wall.
This is also the purpose served by the further measure, according to which the length of the groove-like depressions is such that the effective area of the last sensor in one depression and the first sensor in the adjacent depression overlap one another. The length of the groove-like depressions necessary for a surface-covering inspection of the pipeline and therefore the length of the sleeve is mainly determined by the size of the angle at which the depressions are set with respect to the axial direction.
In order to position the sensors the sleeve has threaded bushes open towards the inside for screwing in said sensors and which are advantageously arranged on the material strip of the sleeve forming the groove-like depressions between the holes receiving the sensors.
According to another development of the invention, on the end of the sleeve which is in advance in the movement direction of the scraper, it is conically inwardly drawn in to form a support flange by means of which it is fixed to the scraper.
The conically drawn in end face leads the sleeve over any obstacles in the pipeline.
The inventively constructed apparatus is optimized according to another feature of the invention in that the sleeve is joined to the scraper by means of a central universal joint, the sleeve preferably being attached to the end of the scraper which trails in the direction of movement. As a :. , : ..
:
71~:~
result of this construction the apparatus is drawn by -the scraper, in much the same way as a two-wheel trailer, and as a result of the cardan joint, the sleeve follows the pipe wall when the pipe bends and the angular deviation between pipe axis and sleeve axis is kept to a minimum.
Advantageously the cardan joint is located at a limited distance behind the guide rolls engaging on the pipe wall and provided on the trailing end of the scraper.
Preferably, between the cardan joint and the support flange of the sleeve, are provided a plurality of tie rods distributed about the axis and spherically mounted at both ends. As a result of this construction the sleeve remains flexible in its support flange and gives way to non-circularities in the pipe in impediment-free manner. In addition, the sleeve can constantly centre itself without being forced out of the pipe axis by movements of the scraper.
According to an appropriate embodiment at the end of the tie rods facing the scraper they are spherically mounted on an intermediate plate, which in turn has the cardan joint.
Finally, the tie rods slope outwards from the intermediate plate and preferably extend somewhat in the extension of the drawn in conical portion of the sleeve. Thus, the tensil forces act in the direction of the conical portion of the sleeve, so that deformations in the vicinity of the support flange of the sleeve are avoided.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter relative to non-limitative embodiments and the attached drawings, wherein show :
Fig 1, a side view of an embodiment of the scraper.
Fig 2, a larger~scale longitudinal sec~ion through an embodiment of the sleeve.
Fig 3, a section III - III according to fig 2.
_7_ ~3~ 9 Fig 4, a section IV - IV according to fig 2.
Fig 5, a view of the sleeve.
Fig 6, a partial longitudinal section through the sleeve in an operating position.
Fig 7, a partial view of the sleeve in a different construction.
Fig 8, a larger-scale partial view of the connection of the sleeve to the scraper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the embodiment shown in fig 1, the scraper has three successively arranged scraper bodies 2, 3, 4, with in each case a pressure-tight casing. The casing of the first scraper body 2 is provided with several sleeves 5, which internally tightly engage with the pipeline 6 and ensure the advance of scraper 1 with the aid of the medium transported in the pipeline. The casing of scraper body 2 contains e.g.
batteries for the electric power supply of the apparatus. The second scraper body 3 is guided on the inner wall of pipeline 6 by front and rear roller sets 7 and receives in its casing the data processing and recording devices, whilst the last scraper body 4 in the apparatus movement direction 8 contains in its casing test electronics for the hereinafter described sensors. This scraper body is also guided on the inner wall of pipeline 6 by roller sets 9. In the embodiment shown in fig 1 sleeve 10 with the sensors is attached to the trailing end of scraper 1.
Fig 2 shows sleeve 10 made from a rubber elastic material in longitudinal section. It has a cylindrical, hose-like portion 11, which is drawn inwards by means of a conical portion 12 at its leading end in the movement direction 8 of scraper 1. Conical portion 12 passes into a support flange 13, by means of which sleeve 10 is fixed to scraper 1.
As can be gathered from figs 3 and 4, the hose-like portion 11 of sleeve 10 has a profile with protuberances 14 and depressions 15, which are constructed as groove-like .
. , .. ..
~IL307~Z~3 cavities. On the inside o~ the sleeve in the vicinity of protuberances 14, there are also narrower grooves 16, so that considered circumferentially a type of concertina profile is obtained. The protuberances 14 are located on a common envelope surface shaped like a circular cylinder, whose external diameter in the relaxed position is somewhat larger than the internal diameter of the pipeline (fig 1), so that after inserting the scraper in the pipeline sleeve 10 is compressed somewhat. This ensures that the protuberances 14 thereof engage on the pipe wall.
The sensors 17 used for measurement or none-destructive testing are located in depressions 15 (fig 2). For this purpose, in the vicinity of depressions 15, sleeve 10 has through-holes 18, in which the sensors 17 are inserted.
Threaded bushes 19 are cast in the area between holes 18 for fixing sensors 17. Sensors 17 are connected by means of connecting cables 21 to the test electronics on the pressure-tight casing of scraper body 4 (fig 1).
As can be gathered from fig 5, the grooves 15 are at an acute angle to axis 22 of sleeve 10. Several sensors are successively arranged in each groove 15, only one being shown in fig 5. The sensors are spaced in such a way that there is an overlap in the axial direction of their effective areas.
In addition, the length of groove 15 and the number of sensors 17 are such that the effective area of the last sensor in one groove overlaps with the affective area of the first sensor in the adjacent groove, so that the effective areas of the sensors completely cover the pipe walls.
As stated, the sleeve is made from a rubber elastic material.
The deformability of the sleeve is further aided by its special profile (figs 3 and 4). Despite the elasticity of sleeve 10, it is ensured that the effective areas of the sensor 17 located in holes 18 are located on a cylindrical base surface, so that all the sensors have the same, constant spacing with respect to the pipe wall. In order to also ~L3~7~
g ensure elasticity in the front region, the outer grooves extend into the vicinity of the conical portion, whilst the inner grooves 16 extend up to the inside of support flange 13. Slot-like recesses 23 (figs 2 and 5) can be provided in the transition region between portion 11 and conical portion 12 and run parallel to grooves 15. A construction modified compared with figs 2 to 4 for obtaining an adequate elasticity of sleeve 10 is shown in fig 7. There are once again grooves 15, as in the previously described embodiment, whilst the inner grooves 16 (figs 2 and 3) have been replaced by a narrow pattern of small diameter holes 24. Thus, once again sleeve 10 can be circumferentially compressed and expanded.
The elasticity of the sleeve 10 resulting from the characteristics of the material and the profiling, occurs not only circumferentially, but also longitudinally. thus, the sleeve 10 is both circumferentially and axially adapted to the pipe wall, as is in particular indicated in fig 6, where the pipe wall 25 has a bulge 26 or an annular constriction.
Sleeve 10 is drawn in or necked at the corresponding point, but it is ensured that the sensors 17 maintain the same spacing and angular position with respect to the deformed wall portion 26.
Fig 8 shows in greater detail the coupling of sleeve 10 to the last scraper body 4, having in the vicinity of the last guide roller set 9 a support plate 27. An intermediate plate 29 is coupled by means of a universal joint 28 to support plate 27. Sleeve 10 is attached by means of tie rods 30 to intermediate plate 29. Both ends of the tie rods are articulated by means of ball and socket joints 31, 32 to intermediate plate 29 or bearing blocks 33, which are fixed to the support flange 13 of sleeve 10 by means of cotter pins 34. Finally, sleeve 10 provided in the centre of support flange 13 with a large area recess 35, so as to permit the free through-flow of the transported medium.
~L3~
As can be gathered from fig 8, the tie rods 30 are arranged obliquely, preferably in such a way that they are roughly in the conical surface defined by the conical portion 12 of sleeve 10 or parallel thereto.
. , ' ~ ' , ~ ' .
,
TESTING OF LAID PIPELINES
BACKGROUND ~F THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the measuring and non-descructive material testing of laid pipelines in the form of a scraper moved through ~he pipeline and guided on the inner wall thereof and which has at least one circular support with sensors arranged on its circumference and at least one pressure-tight casing, which receives devices for processing and recording the measured values, as well as for the power supply.
Apparatuses of this type, which are also called intelligent scrapers, are increasingly being used in long-distance pipelines, particularly for transporting oil and gas for the purpose of detecting faults on said pipeline. They are generally moved through the pipeline by means of the medium transported and perform measurements of different types. It is most frequently a question of carrying out measurements on the pipe wall, so as to be able to e.g. establish local corrosion, wall thickness reductions due to mechanical damage, pitting and the like. Differently functioning sensors are used as a function of the intended task, e.g.
electrooptical, ultrasonic and similar sensors.
In order to scan the entire circumference of the pipe wall, the sensors are arranged on a rigid ring (US patent 4 022 055), whereby the ring and therefore also the sensors must have a significant distance from the pipe wall, so as not to be damaged by non-circularities of the pipe or local bulges.
The measuring accuracy suffers as a result of the significant distance between the effective areas of the sensors and the pipe wall. The measurement result is also falsified in the case of non-circularities and bulges, due to the different type of spacing conditions at said points. In addition, rotary supports for sensors are known (DE-OS 2 156 434 and US
patent 3 539 915), but as a result of the rotary movement constitute a source of additional operational problems.
Moreover, the sensors are connected by means of complicated ~30~ g mechanical articulations, linkages, etc to the rotary support, which are intended to ensure that the sensors are guided at a constant distance from the inner wall of the pipe. However, these mechanical means additionally impair the operational reliability. Here again a constant distance between effective sensor area and pipe wall is only ensured to a limited extent. In particular the angular position of the sensor with respect to the pipe wall, which should always be perpendicular, is not ensured, particularly in the case of non-circularity or other bulges on the pipeline. In addition, a surface-covering scanning is only possible with significant expenditure and effort, if at all, so that in certain circumstances small local defects may not be detected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The problem of the present invention is to provide an apparatus with a simple and operationally reliable construction, in which on the one hand the distance between the sensors and the pipe wall is relatively small and identical for all the sensors and on the other neither the distance, nor the angular position of the sensors with respect to the pipe wall are modified by non-circularities thereof.
According to the invention this problem is solved in that the support is constructed as a cylindrical sleeve made from rubber elastic material and is provided with a regular profile in the axial, radial and circumferential direction, whose protuberances are located on a cylindrical envelope surface having a somewhat larger external diameter than the internal diameter of the pipeline and in whose depressions the sensors are arranged on a surface concentric to the enveIope surface.
The invention proposes a sensor support in the form of a sleeve made from a material with rubber elastic characteristics, which can consequently adapt to the pipe ~o~
wall, particularly to unevennesges. In the relaxed starting position the sleeve or envelope sur~ace of the pxofile protuberances has a somewhat larger external diameter than the internal diameter of the pipeline. On inserting in the pipeline the sleeve is somewhat circumferencially compressed, so that the profile protuberances snuggly engage on the pipe wall and this is still ensured when the pipeline has non-circularities, bulges and the like. The sensors are located in the profile depressions on a surface concentric to the envelope surface and consequently have an identical, clearly defined spacing, as well as an identical and clearly defined angular position with respect to the pipe wall. As the sleeve and conseguently also the profile depressions follow any non-circularities of the pipe, the spacing and angular position of the sensors with respect to the pipe wall also remain identical at these points. Thus, a completely satisfactory operation of the sensors is ensured over the entire measuring distance or range. It is a decisive advantage compared with the known scrapers with sensors guided in a spacing-variable manner, that the inventive apparatus has no moving parts and no mechanical transmission elements, so that an operationally reliable apparatus is obtained, which is of decisive importance when working within a pipeline over long distances.
According to a preferred construction the protuberances and depressions are constructed in strip-like manner with a substantially axially parallel extension. Thus, in cross section, the sleeve has a profile giving it a good reversible deformability in the circumferential direction whilst through it substantially axially parallel extension it leads to no significant increase in the resistance in the direction of movement of the sraper.
Advantageously the depressions are formed by grooves in the cylindrical sleeve, the latter being preferably provided in the vicinity of the protuberances with substantially axially parallel grooves. Thus, circumferentially, the sleeve has a 13~
type, of concertina profile, which on the one hand further favours the reversihle deformability and on the other deflects the forces acting on the sleeve mainly in the circumferential direction, so that such radial ~orces substantially lead to a reduction or increase in khe diameter. This also ensures that the sensors always retain their spacing and angular position with respect to the pipe wall. This pro~ile ensures the deformability of the sleeve also in the longitudinal direction, so that in all it is well adapted to radially and axially extending non-circularities in the pipeline.
In the vicinity of both the protuberances and the depressions, the profile can have a relatively large wall thickness, so as to externally prevent the wear necessarily occurring due to the guidance in the pipeline and so as to internally have an adequate carrying strength for receiving the sensors~ However, the substantially radially directed wall webs between the protuberances and the depressions can be in a relatively thin-walled form and therefore further aid deformability.
In place of the grooves provided on the inside in the vicinity of the strip-like protuberances, in the vicinity of the latter the sleeve can also be provided with a narrow pattern of small diameter holes, so that in this area the sleeve has increased transverse compressibility. It can virtually "breath" in the vicinity of the protuberances and in particular gives or yields in the circumferential direction, whereas the profile is dimensionally stable in the vicinity of the strip-like depressions.
According to a preferred construction of the invention the protuberances and groove-like depressions are arranged at an acute angle to the sleeve axis. If several sensors are successively arranged in these grooves, then between the sensors there is a mutual circumferential displacement, so that the sensors arranged in one groove cover one surface 12g strip on the pipe wall which i5 wider than the effective area of each individual sensor.
Preferably the angle between the extension direction of the groove-like depressions and the axis of the sleeve is such that the active areas of the sensors successively arranged in the depression overlap one another, when considered axially.
This permits a surface-covering scanning or measurement on the pipe wall.
This is also the purpose served by the further measure, according to which the length of the groove-like depressions is such that the effective area of the last sensor in one depression and the first sensor in the adjacent depression overlap one another. The length of the groove-like depressions necessary for a surface-covering inspection of the pipeline and therefore the length of the sleeve is mainly determined by the size of the angle at which the depressions are set with respect to the axial direction.
In order to position the sensors the sleeve has threaded bushes open towards the inside for screwing in said sensors and which are advantageously arranged on the material strip of the sleeve forming the groove-like depressions between the holes receiving the sensors.
According to another development of the invention, on the end of the sleeve which is in advance in the movement direction of the scraper, it is conically inwardly drawn in to form a support flange by means of which it is fixed to the scraper.
The conically drawn in end face leads the sleeve over any obstacles in the pipeline.
The inventively constructed apparatus is optimized according to another feature of the invention in that the sleeve is joined to the scraper by means of a central universal joint, the sleeve preferably being attached to the end of the scraper which trails in the direction of movement. As a :. , : ..
:
71~:~
result of this construction the apparatus is drawn by -the scraper, in much the same way as a two-wheel trailer, and as a result of the cardan joint, the sleeve follows the pipe wall when the pipe bends and the angular deviation between pipe axis and sleeve axis is kept to a minimum.
Advantageously the cardan joint is located at a limited distance behind the guide rolls engaging on the pipe wall and provided on the trailing end of the scraper.
Preferably, between the cardan joint and the support flange of the sleeve, are provided a plurality of tie rods distributed about the axis and spherically mounted at both ends. As a result of this construction the sleeve remains flexible in its support flange and gives way to non-circularities in the pipe in impediment-free manner. In addition, the sleeve can constantly centre itself without being forced out of the pipe axis by movements of the scraper.
According to an appropriate embodiment at the end of the tie rods facing the scraper they are spherically mounted on an intermediate plate, which in turn has the cardan joint.
Finally, the tie rods slope outwards from the intermediate plate and preferably extend somewhat in the extension of the drawn in conical portion of the sleeve. Thus, the tensil forces act in the direction of the conical portion of the sleeve, so that deformations in the vicinity of the support flange of the sleeve are avoided.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter relative to non-limitative embodiments and the attached drawings, wherein show :
Fig 1, a side view of an embodiment of the scraper.
Fig 2, a larger~scale longitudinal sec~ion through an embodiment of the sleeve.
Fig 3, a section III - III according to fig 2.
_7_ ~3~ 9 Fig 4, a section IV - IV according to fig 2.
Fig 5, a view of the sleeve.
Fig 6, a partial longitudinal section through the sleeve in an operating position.
Fig 7, a partial view of the sleeve in a different construction.
Fig 8, a larger-scale partial view of the connection of the sleeve to the scraper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the embodiment shown in fig 1, the scraper has three successively arranged scraper bodies 2, 3, 4, with in each case a pressure-tight casing. The casing of the first scraper body 2 is provided with several sleeves 5, which internally tightly engage with the pipeline 6 and ensure the advance of scraper 1 with the aid of the medium transported in the pipeline. The casing of scraper body 2 contains e.g.
batteries for the electric power supply of the apparatus. The second scraper body 3 is guided on the inner wall of pipeline 6 by front and rear roller sets 7 and receives in its casing the data processing and recording devices, whilst the last scraper body 4 in the apparatus movement direction 8 contains in its casing test electronics for the hereinafter described sensors. This scraper body is also guided on the inner wall of pipeline 6 by roller sets 9. In the embodiment shown in fig 1 sleeve 10 with the sensors is attached to the trailing end of scraper 1.
Fig 2 shows sleeve 10 made from a rubber elastic material in longitudinal section. It has a cylindrical, hose-like portion 11, which is drawn inwards by means of a conical portion 12 at its leading end in the movement direction 8 of scraper 1. Conical portion 12 passes into a support flange 13, by means of which sleeve 10 is fixed to scraper 1.
As can be gathered from figs 3 and 4, the hose-like portion 11 of sleeve 10 has a profile with protuberances 14 and depressions 15, which are constructed as groove-like .
. , .. ..
~IL307~Z~3 cavities. On the inside o~ the sleeve in the vicinity of protuberances 14, there are also narrower grooves 16, so that considered circumferentially a type of concertina profile is obtained. The protuberances 14 are located on a common envelope surface shaped like a circular cylinder, whose external diameter in the relaxed position is somewhat larger than the internal diameter of the pipeline (fig 1), so that after inserting the scraper in the pipeline sleeve 10 is compressed somewhat. This ensures that the protuberances 14 thereof engage on the pipe wall.
The sensors 17 used for measurement or none-destructive testing are located in depressions 15 (fig 2). For this purpose, in the vicinity of depressions 15, sleeve 10 has through-holes 18, in which the sensors 17 are inserted.
Threaded bushes 19 are cast in the area between holes 18 for fixing sensors 17. Sensors 17 are connected by means of connecting cables 21 to the test electronics on the pressure-tight casing of scraper body 4 (fig 1).
As can be gathered from fig 5, the grooves 15 are at an acute angle to axis 22 of sleeve 10. Several sensors are successively arranged in each groove 15, only one being shown in fig 5. The sensors are spaced in such a way that there is an overlap in the axial direction of their effective areas.
In addition, the length of groove 15 and the number of sensors 17 are such that the effective area of the last sensor in one groove overlaps with the affective area of the first sensor in the adjacent groove, so that the effective areas of the sensors completely cover the pipe walls.
As stated, the sleeve is made from a rubber elastic material.
The deformability of the sleeve is further aided by its special profile (figs 3 and 4). Despite the elasticity of sleeve 10, it is ensured that the effective areas of the sensor 17 located in holes 18 are located on a cylindrical base surface, so that all the sensors have the same, constant spacing with respect to the pipe wall. In order to also ~L3~7~
g ensure elasticity in the front region, the outer grooves extend into the vicinity of the conical portion, whilst the inner grooves 16 extend up to the inside of support flange 13. Slot-like recesses 23 (figs 2 and 5) can be provided in the transition region between portion 11 and conical portion 12 and run parallel to grooves 15. A construction modified compared with figs 2 to 4 for obtaining an adequate elasticity of sleeve 10 is shown in fig 7. There are once again grooves 15, as in the previously described embodiment, whilst the inner grooves 16 (figs 2 and 3) have been replaced by a narrow pattern of small diameter holes 24. Thus, once again sleeve 10 can be circumferentially compressed and expanded.
The elasticity of the sleeve 10 resulting from the characteristics of the material and the profiling, occurs not only circumferentially, but also longitudinally. thus, the sleeve 10 is both circumferentially and axially adapted to the pipe wall, as is in particular indicated in fig 6, where the pipe wall 25 has a bulge 26 or an annular constriction.
Sleeve 10 is drawn in or necked at the corresponding point, but it is ensured that the sensors 17 maintain the same spacing and angular position with respect to the deformed wall portion 26.
Fig 8 shows in greater detail the coupling of sleeve 10 to the last scraper body 4, having in the vicinity of the last guide roller set 9 a support plate 27. An intermediate plate 29 is coupled by means of a universal joint 28 to support plate 27. Sleeve 10 is attached by means of tie rods 30 to intermediate plate 29. Both ends of the tie rods are articulated by means of ball and socket joints 31, 32 to intermediate plate 29 or bearing blocks 33, which are fixed to the support flange 13 of sleeve 10 by means of cotter pins 34. Finally, sleeve 10 provided in the centre of support flange 13 with a large area recess 35, so as to permit the free through-flow of the transported medium.
~L3~
As can be gathered from fig 8, the tie rods 30 are arranged obliquely, preferably in such a way that they are roughly in the conical surface defined by the conical portion 12 of sleeve 10 or parallel thereto.
. , ' ~ ' , ~ ' .
,
Claims (18)
1. An apparatus for the measurement and non-destructive material testing of laid pipelines in the form of a scraper moved through the pipeline and guided on the inner wall thereof and which has at least one circular support with sensors arranged on the circumference thereof and at least one pressure-tight casing, which receives devices for processing and recording the measured values and for the power supply, wherein the support has the structure of a cylindrical sleeve of a rubber elastic material and is provided with an axially, radially and circumferentially regular profile, including protuberances located on a cylindrical envelope surface with a somewhat larger external diameter than the internal diameter of the respective pipeline and depressions disposed one between each pair of said protuberances, said depressions containing the sensors on a surface concentric to the envelope surface; said apparatus being arranged for movement along a respective pipeline in a predetermined direction.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protuberances are a plurality of substantially axially parallel strip-like protuberances.
3. An apparatus according to claims 2, wherein the depressions are groove-like depressions in the cylindrical sleeve.
4. An apparatus according to one of the claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the cylindrical sleeve is internally provided with substantially axially parallel grooves in the vicinity of the protuberances.
5. An apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, wherein, in the vicinity of the strip-like protuberances, the sleeve is provided with a narrow pattern of small diameter holes.
6. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the protuberances and groove-like depressions are at an acute angle to the sleeve axis.
7. An apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the angle between the extension direction of the groove-like depressions and the sleeve axis is such that the effective areas of the sensors successively arranged in the depression overlap one another in the axial direction.
8. An apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the length of the groove-like depressions is such that the effective areas of the last sensor in one depressions and those of the first sensor in the adjacent depression overlap one another.
9. An apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the sleeve has threaded bushes open in a direction inwardly of the sleeve, for fixing the sensors.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the threaded bushes are arranged in the strip-like protuberances forming the groove-like depressions between the holes receiving the sensors.
11. An apparatus according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sleeve has a leading end defined by said predetermined direction of movement of the scraper, said leading end being is conically drawn inwards to a support flange, by means of which the sleeve is fixed to the scraper.
12. An apparatus, according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sleeve is connected to the scraper by means of a central, universal joint, and wherein the sleeve has a leading end defined by said predetermined direction of movement of the scraper, said leading end being is conically drawn inwards to a support flange, by means of which the sleeve is fixed to the scraper.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the sleeve is attached to the trailing end of the scraper said predetermined direction.
14. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the universal joint is positioned at a limited distance behind guide rollers engaging the pipe wall andprovided at the trailing end of the scraper.
15. An apparatus according to claims 12, wherein several tie rods distributed about the axis and are mounted in a ball-and-socket-joint -like fashion at both ends thereof, said ends being located between the universal joint and the support flange for the sleeve.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein those ends of the tie rods which face the scraper are secured in said ball-and-socket-joint - like fashion to an intermediate plate, which in turn carries the universal joint.
17. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the tie rods diverge in the direction away from the intermediate plate.
18. An apparatus according to claims 15, wherein the sloping tie rods are generally within a conical surface of coincidence with said inwardly drawn conical surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP3626646.9 | 1986-08-06 | ||
| DE19863626646 DE3626646A1 (en) | 1986-08-06 | 1986-08-06 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE MATERIAL TESTING ON INSTALLED PIPELINES |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1307129C true CA1307129C (en) | 1992-09-08 |
Family
ID=6306811
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000542635A Expired - Lifetime CA1307129C (en) | 1986-08-06 | 1987-07-21 | Apparatus for the measurement and non-destructive material testing oflaid pipelines |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4807484A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0255619B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE67856T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1307129C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3626646A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2026869T3 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO172956C (en) |
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| DE3638936A1 (en) * | 1986-11-14 | 1988-05-26 | Kernforschungsz Karlsruhe | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING CORROSION OR THE LIKE |
| DE3706660A1 (en) * | 1987-03-02 | 1988-09-15 | Rosen Engineering Gmbh H | Measuring pig |
| US5090259A (en) * | 1988-01-18 | 1992-02-25 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Pipe-inspecting apparatus having a self propelled unit |
| FR2645270B1 (en) * | 1989-04-04 | 1992-06-19 | Dune Travaux Specialises | DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING A DRIVING CONDITION DIAGNOSIS OR GALLERY AND APPARATUS FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION |
| FR2668605B1 (en) * | 1990-10-31 | 1994-03-18 | Commissariat A Energie Atomique | HOSE TUBE INSPECTION PROBE WITH ROTATING CONTROL HEAD. |
| MY109533A (en) * | 1992-02-05 | 1997-02-28 | Shell Int Research | Apparatus and method for pipe or tube inspection |
| US5398560A (en) * | 1993-07-12 | 1995-03-21 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Apparatus for inspecting piping |
| JP3428734B2 (en) * | 1994-08-01 | 2003-07-22 | 東京瓦斯株式会社 | Metal tube flaw detector and metal tube flaw detection method |
| DE19502764A1 (en) * | 1995-01-30 | 1996-08-01 | Pipetronix Gmbh | Method and device for testing gas pipelines |
| WO2000008378A1 (en) * | 1998-08-04 | 2000-02-17 | Chernyaev Konstantin Valerievi | Device for measuring and for checking without causing any damage the material of a duct |
| CA2339679A1 (en) * | 1998-08-04 | 2000-02-17 | Konstantin Valerievich Chernyaev | Device for measuring and nondestructive inspection of the material of a pipeline |
| US6189740B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 2001-02-20 | Steris Inc | Antiseptic soap dispenser with selectively variable dose |
| DE10202432A1 (en) * | 2002-01-22 | 2003-08-07 | Pii Pipetronix Gmbh | Method and device for examining pipelines |
| DE10210746C1 (en) | 2002-03-12 | 2003-10-16 | Ndt System & Services Ag | Segment for a sensor carrier body of a pig |
| RU2204113C1 (en) * | 2002-03-28 | 2003-05-10 | ЗАО "Нефтегазкомплектсервис" | Carrier of sensors for intrapipe inspection dredger (modifications) |
| DE102005016631B3 (en) * | 2005-04-12 | 2006-10-12 | Ndt Systems & Services Ag | Supporting plate for ultrasonic pipeline testing has vertically radiating ultrasonic sensors for wall thickness testing, obliquely radiating sensors for crack testing, each an individual test head, i.e. sensor with ultrasonic oscillator |
| DE102005056969B3 (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2006-10-05 | Pii Pipetronix Gmbh | Carrier unit for pig has at least two successive carrier elements pivoted to each other by connecting member |
| GB2437547B (en) * | 2006-04-28 | 2010-07-14 | Genesis Oil And Gas Consultant | Method and apparatus for inspecting pipes |
| US7698937B2 (en) * | 2007-10-18 | 2010-04-20 | Neidhardt Deitmar J | Method and apparatus for detecting defects in oilfield tubulars |
| RU2459136C2 (en) * | 2009-05-12 | 2012-08-20 | Закрытое акционерное общество "КОРМАКО" | Method to monitor pipeline corrosion and device for its realisation |
| EP2887060A1 (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2015-06-24 | Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast- natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO | Ultrasonic pipeline inspection system and method |
| RU2572907C2 (en) * | 2014-02-11 | 2016-01-20 | Азат Адильшаевич Абдулаев | Method to detect pipeline flaws and unauthorised tap-ins into pipeline and device for its realisation |
| USD899775S1 (en) | 2018-05-23 | 2020-10-27 | Pii Pipetronix Gmbh | Sensor carrier |
| US10545121B2 (en) | 2018-05-23 | 2020-01-28 | Pii Pipetronix Gmbh | Pipeline inspection systems and methods |
| RU2692869C1 (en) * | 2018-12-11 | 2019-06-28 | Публичное акционерное общество "Транснефть" (ПАО "Транснефть") | Sensor carrier of in-pipe ultrasonic flaw detector |
| RU2692870C1 (en) * | 2018-12-11 | 2019-06-28 | Публичное акционерное общество "Транснефть" (ПАО "Транснефть") | Carrier of sensors of in-tube ultrasonic flaw detector |
| RU2692868C1 (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2019-06-28 | Публичное акционерное общество "Транснефть" (ПАО "Транснефть") | Carrier of sensors of in-tube ultrasonic flaw detector |
| RU2739721C1 (en) * | 2020-01-09 | 2020-12-28 | Общество С Ограниченной Ответственностью "Газпром Трансгаз Краснодар" | In-tube diagnostic shell with device for protection of video camera lens from contamination |
| US11414984B2 (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2022-08-16 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Measuring wellbore cross-sections using downhole caliper tools |
| US11414985B2 (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2022-08-16 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Measuring wellbore cross-sections using downhole caliper tools |
| RU2739279C1 (en) * | 2020-06-08 | 2020-12-22 | Федеральное государственное казенное военное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "ВОЕННАЯ АКАДЕМИЯ МАТЕРИАЛЬНО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ имени генерала армии А.В. Хрулева" | Universal flaw detector for control of technical state of walls of sleeves |
| US11624265B1 (en) | 2021-11-12 | 2023-04-11 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Cutting pipes in wellbores using downhole autonomous jet cutting tools |
| CN114542992B (en) * | 2022-02-24 | 2023-05-23 | 成都秦川物联网科技股份有限公司 | Natural gas pipe network metering working condition remote monitoring system based on Internet of things |
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| GB939172A (en) * | 1961-04-07 | 1963-10-09 | G V Planer Ltd | Improved band belt or the like |
| FR1603705A (en) * | 1968-05-07 | 1971-05-24 | ||
| US3754275A (en) * | 1971-09-17 | 1973-08-21 | Amf Inc | Method and apparatus for correlating a pipeline inspection record to known external locations |
| US3786684A (en) * | 1971-12-27 | 1974-01-22 | Automation Ind Inc | Pipeline inspection pig |
| US4098126A (en) * | 1976-04-06 | 1978-07-04 | British Gas Corporation | Non-destructive testing of pipeline |
| GB2043248B (en) * | 1979-02-28 | 1983-04-27 | British Gas Corp | Ultrasonic pipe inspection apparatus |
| CS209709B1 (en) * | 1979-11-23 | 1981-12-31 | Jan Jandera | Apparatus for internal inspection of long-distance pipelines |
| US4457073A (en) * | 1982-09-28 | 1984-07-03 | T. D. Williamson, Inc. | Pipeline pig having improved means of sensing changes in the internal configuration of a pipeline |
| US4646787A (en) * | 1985-03-18 | 1987-03-03 | Institute Of Gas Technology | Pneumatic pipe inspection device |
-
1986
- 1986-08-06 DE DE19863626646 patent/DE3626646A1/en active Granted
-
1987
- 1987-07-09 AT AT87109907T patent/ATE67856T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1987-07-09 ES ES198787109907T patent/ES2026869T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-07-09 EP EP87109907A patent/EP0255619B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-07-21 CA CA000542635A patent/CA1307129C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-08-04 NO NO873252A patent/NO172956C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1987-08-06 US US07/082,214 patent/US4807484A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO172956C (en) | 1993-09-29 |
| US4807484A (en) | 1989-02-28 |
| NO873252D0 (en) | 1987-08-04 |
| NO873252L (en) | 1988-02-08 |
| DE3626646A1 (en) | 1988-02-18 |
| EP0255619A3 (en) | 1989-05-31 |
| NO172956B (en) | 1993-06-21 |
| ES2026869T3 (en) | 1992-05-16 |
| DE3626646C2 (en) | 1991-11-07 |
| EP0255619B1 (en) | 1991-09-25 |
| ATE67856T1 (en) | 1991-10-15 |
| EP0255619A2 (en) | 1988-02-10 |
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Legal Events
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| MKEX | Expiry |